Western Colorado University is partnered with several other higher education institutions and works to provide seamless credit transfer and degree completion opportunities. Review our individual transfer partnerships below to see which programs we have established in conjunction with other institutions around the state and nation, as well as degree plans for specific areas of study.
Through the Auckland University of Technology/Western partnership, students have the opportunity to earn a doctoral degree in Exercise & Sport Science. The only Ph.D. pathway Western currently offers, students who pursue this program will complete a thesis with AUT primarily supervised by an AUT faculty member while simultaneously receiving support from Western faculty and gaining access to Western’s state-of-the-art High Altitude Performance Lab. Students who graduate from this program will be well-prepared for careers in research and academia.
The Colorado Community College System (CCCS) is comprised of 13 institutions where students can earn either their Associate of Arts or Associate of Science degrees in a variety of areas of study. Western and CCCS have made an Admissions Promise Agreement (APA) to help students expedite the continuation of their education. CCCS students who opt into the APA during their first term as a new first-time student, upon completion of their A.A. or A.S degree at a CCCS school, with at least a 2.0 GPA, are guaranteed admission as an undergraduate to Western Colorado University.
To view a full list of programs Western currently has transfer agreements in place for, follow this link and navigate to the “Transfer Agreements” section.
Western and Colorado Mountain College (CMC) have partnered to offer nine programs in which students will earn their associate degree at CMC and their bachelor’s degree at Western. Providing a heavy focus on Business and Biology, these niche degree offerings lend themselves to the rural, mountainous settings of both the CMC and Western campuses, and provide students with the opportunity to bring their personal passions to their professions.
Click here to view the CMC/Western degree plans
As energy demands continue to grow both nationally and globally, the need for skilled energy management professionals increases as well. Through this partnership, students will earn a B.A. in Business Administration with an Energy Management emphasis from Western and an M.S. in Mineral and Energy Economics from Colorado School of Mines (CSM) in just five years. These industry-specific degrees will help students hone their awareness of environmental law, natural resource management, and macro and microeconomics of energy and mineral markets. Upon graduation, students will have a well-rounded awareness of business viewed through an energy management lens and will be prepared to embark on lucrative professional journeys anywhere in the world.
Click here to view the Western/CSM degree plan
The Laramie County Community College (LLCC)/Western transfer partnership provides a specialized focus on exercise science, physiology, health and wellness. Students who participate in this transfer partnership spend their first two years at LLCC earning their Associate of Science degree, and their final two years on Western’s campus earning their Bachelor of Science. Both programs provide a heavy emphasis on laboratory work, allowing students to turn their theoretical knowledge into hands-on practice and gain a holistic understanding of the many facets of exercise science.
Click here to view the LCCC/Western degree plans
Through Western’s partnership with the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation, students who earn ProStart National Certificate of Achievement (“COA”) by the Foundation will be granted credit for several introductory-level business courses. In addition, students who have earned or will have earned the COA are eligible to apply for scholarships to put toward the cost of their education.
Click here to view the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation/Western articulation agreement
Through the Palmer College of Chiropractic/Western partnership, Exercise & Sport Science and Pre-Health students have the opportunity to earn a Doctor of Chiropractic degree through a 3+1 program. You will complete three years at Western, then complete the first year’s coursework at Palmer in the Doctor of Chiropractic program – at either the Palmer Main Campus in Davenport, Iowa, or at the Palmer Florida Campus. Credits achieved at Palmer can then be transferred back to Western towards your undergraduate degree. Ultimately, you will accelerate your post-graduate education by completing courses at Western and Palmer simultaneously.
For more information, contact Dr. Gary Van Guilder (Exercise and Sports Science).
Click here to view the Western/Palmer degree plans.
Western’s innovative partnership with Red Rocks Community College (RRCC) allows students to earn not only their associate and bachelor’s degree, but also a master’s degree in one of six areas of study. With ten unique degree pathways to choose from, students will be able to find a plan that works for them no matter their interests and skills. Through this partnership, students can complete any of these programs in as little as five years and will be prepared to enter into the workforce with less debt and a specialized professional skillset.
Click here to view the RRCC/Western degree plans
Combining the innovation of engineering, the entrepreneurial spirit of business and the excitement of outdoor recreation, Western’s partnership with the University of Colorado Boulder offers a one-of-a-kind degree for students passionate about bringing new ideas and creative solutions to the outdoor industry. Students will complete their first two years at Western earning credits toward a B.S. in Engineering and then transfer to CU Boulder to complete the remainder of their undergraduate degree – all while remaining on Western’s campus in Gunnison.
Following their undergraduate studies, students will enroll in Western’s School of Business Outdoor Industry MBA program where they will have the opportunity to explore outdoor equipment testing and quality control while learning the importance of corporate sustainability, successfully managing business finances and creating a setting of inclusion in the recreation sector.
Click here to view the CU/Western degree plans
To learn more about transferring to Western from these institutions or any others around the state, nation or world, visit western.edu/transfer or email the Admissions Office.
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